Nyack.edu | The Washington Semester

The Washington Semester

Learn Washington DC inside and out at Nyack's DC Campus:

Engage a new urban culture using the "city as text."
Explore the relationship of civic responsibility, government and your academic discipline.
Examine what it means to live a balanced, seamless Christian life (community, church and work).
Gain an advanced sense of calling and career from a Biblical perspective.

Apply now!

15 weeks to combine passion and action: Nyack's Washington Semester Program helps you invest in the places where policies and people meet, get hands-on experience and explore Washington D.C. through a new lens.

What will you do?

Classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Tuesdays and Thursdays you will do an internship/practicum. The basic program is for 15 credits, with the exception of the spring semester whereby second semester sophomore Social Work majors will have the option of 14-17 credits.

Where will you live?

Students enrolled in the Washington Semester will live in homestays or apartments throughout the DC region. All housing will be accessible to public transportation.

How much does it cost?

Nyack College students accepted to the Washington Semester will pay the same tuition they would pay to take classes in New York. All financial aid and scholarships remain with the students as they remain enrolled in Nyack College. Students in DC will be assigned the maximum board plan, standard fees and charged to have a shared room.

Who can come?

Second semester sophomores, juniors and seniors, with a 2.5 GPA or better, are eligible to apply. You apply by completing a short application and acquiring a faculty recommendation. The D.C. office will confirm with the student development office that you are in good standing. Admission for students from other campuses will be on a space-available basis.

How do I apply?

Complete the application packet. Upon completion, return the signed forms to Nyack's DC Campus. If you have questions regarding the application or program, contact Charity Haubrich at Nyack's DC Campus at 202-220-1300 or dcoffice@nyack.edu. Additionally, you may contact Dr. Nina Balmaceda on the Rockland campus at 845-675-4582 of vilma.balmaceda@nayck.edu.

What's the special option for Social Work majors?

In spring semesters, Social Work majors have the option of taking SWK 317 Social Welfare Policies & Economic Justice (3 credits) in addition to/or in place of Understanding and Transforming Urban Systems (3 credits). They earn either 14 or 17 credits for their work.

Want to learn more?

Contact Nyack College's DC Campus at 202-220-1300 or dcoffice@nyack.edu. We're located at 444 N. Capitol Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC, 20001.

Courses available in Washington DC

POL/HIS/SOC 215: American Government (3 credits) This course will examine the American democratic system of government; ideological background; constitutional system; structure and problems.

SOC/ICS 334: International Relief and Development (3 credits) This course will examine current approaches to international relief and development work. The focus will be on the socio-cultural dimensions of development that shape the process. The course will examine the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in their quest to ease human suffering and improve quality of life for the world’s poor. The course will review current debates and policy issues in international development. Topics include: sustainable development, refugees, poverty reduction, foreign aid, disaster relief, rural development, project design and management.

ICS/PMN/SOC 454: Understanding and Transforming Urban Systems (3 credits) This course introduces students to the religious, cultural, political, economic and social systems that make up urban areas today. The complex inter-workings of these systems will be examined in detail. A special focus of the course will be to examine ways in which the Church can work towards transforming these systems.

SOC 366 Faith Politics & Society (3 credits) The course will profile and probe the role of religious institutions as a focal point around issues of social and economic justice. The course will analyze the opportunities and dangers involved in the intersection of faith and politics, the relationship between morally based movements and the process of social change. The course will explore the appropriate role of faith and the involvement of faith-based organizations in the public arena. Course content will be examined from socio-political, cultural, and faith perspectives.

Field Experience/Practicum/Internship (2-3 credits) Taken by major, or as an elective.

Note: All of these courses have the potential to be identified as Political Science as well.